Prevalence of allergies among university students in Ajman, UAE

ABSTRACT

Urbanization and globalization in UAE has resulted into drastic environmental changes and increase in the allergens present in the environment and the prevalence of allergies. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of allergies among undergraduate students of Gulf Medical University. This cross-sectional survey was carried out among undergraduate students of Gulf Medical University. A self administered questionnaire was used as research instrument for data collection. The demographic data and the allergy characteristics were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 19. descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. A total of 255 students [33.3% males and 66.7% females] were included. The commonest allergies among the students were allergic conjunctivitis [104 [40.8%]], allergic dermatitis [89[34.9%]], dust allergies [58 [22%]] and eczema in [38 [14.9%]]. A positive family history of allergies was reported by 62 [24.3%] for allergic dermatitis and 33 [12.9%] for allergic conjunctivitis. Allergies associated with pollen, food and drugs were less frequent allergy. Students with allergies reported interference with their daily activities, and academic, social and extra-curricular activities. Overall higher proportion of students had allergies especially among the African and Pakistani students. Adequate preventive strategies should be initiated to crumb this rising prevalence of allergies